Meet the team
At the core of the Primary Engineer team is the understanding that the work we do has a tremendous effect on children’s lives. Alongside the hard work there is a lot of laughter and a significant ‘wow’ factor – you only have to join in one of our activities to see why we do it!
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE
Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
I enjoyed primary school thoroughly, well apart from music, barn dancing and learning French! I especially loved art, maths, physics, and history. I was one of only two girls in the physics class and, to my irritation still, was not allowed to study Technical Drawing as it was a ‘boys only’ subject at the time! If I am honest my nickname at secondary school was SWOT – I loved being in the classroom, and always did my homework on time!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I founded Primary Engineer in 2005 and over the years worked with the team to develop many programmes aimed at inspiring all young people with and towards engineering careers. I firmly believe that all children should have the opportunity to engage with engineering as a right! And that due to that be able to achieve their potential.
Jennifer Scurlock
R&D Programme Director
Jennifer Scurlock, R&D Programme Director
I remember a fascination with becoming an archaeologist, purely because of the TV show ‘what the Romans did for us’ mixed with stories of my dad’s travels to faraway lands. But I think as soon as Adam Hart-Davis stopped being on my telly, I forgot about archaeology completely! I was always really interested in physics, art and music as a child, but could never work out how I would be able to do them all at once.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role involves coming up with new ways to engage pupils with STEM and to take ownership of their own learning. I lead our Research and Development team to ensure the new programmes we create, and the established programmes we manage, are beautiful, engaging and have a positive impact on our audience. “
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE
Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
I enjoyed primary school thoroughly, well apart from music, barn dancing and learning French! I especially loved art, maths, physics, and history. I was one of only two girls in the physics class and, to my irritation still, was not allowed to study Technical Drawing as it was a ‘boys only’ subject at the time! If I am honest my nickname at secondary school was SWOT – I loved being in the classroom, and always did my homework on time!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I founded Primary Engineer in 2005 and over the years worked with the team to develop many programmes aimed at inspiring all young people with and towards engineering careers. I firmly believe that all children should have the opportunity to engage with engineering as a right! And that due to that be able to achieve their potential.
Jennifer Scurlock
R&D Programme Director
R&D Programme Director
I remember a fascination with becoming an archaeologist, purely because of the TV show ‘what the Romans did for us’ mixed with stories of my dad’s travels to faraway lands. But I think as soon as Adam Hart-Davis stopped being on my telly, I forgot about archaeology completely! I was always really interested in physics, art and music as a child, but could never work out how I would be able to do them all at once.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role involves coming up with new ways to engage pupils with STEM and to take ownership of their own learning. I lead our Research and Development team to ensure the new programmes we create, and the established programmes we manage, are beautiful, engaging and have a positive impact on our audience. “
Chris Rochester
UK Director
Chris Rochester, UK Director
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be a journalist – I think initially it was wanting to be Clark Kent (and of course Superman), but later ‘Press Gang’(a great TV show for kids – Google it)r was an influence too. I liked the idea of investigating and finding out about things and had a passion for reading and really enjoyed writing.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer in 2014 having been a primary school teacher and initially designed Primary Engineer’s Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering STEM and the Early Years Engineer Programme. As UK Director, I head up our Partnerships with funders and supporters across all Primary Engineer Programmes working with our existing stakeholders and developing new relationships with engineering industry, businesses and education partners.
Stan Cookson
Head of Operations
Stan Cookson, Head of Operations
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be so many things; either the Prime Minister to make things better for everyone, a Spaceman as I thought it would be a cool adventure or a Soldier like my father who was my absolute hero. I was born into the army and we travelled extensively. I attended more than 8 schools by the time I was 13 so it was quite difficult at times. I missed on some curriculum items but was advanced in others. It was great making so many new friends all the time. I ended up as an Engineer Officer in the Merchant Navy when I left school continuing my passion for engineering, travel and adventure.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer as the Head Of Operations where I have overall responsibility to the Directors for all company support across Marketing, Service Delivery, IT, HR, Finance and Legals. My background is developing business across all functional areas. It is a very varied role and very enjoyable at Primary Engineer knowing we are encouraging more children, and especially girls to consider engineering careers. I help formulate company strategy and then work with the teams to implement the strategy providing direction and support.
Chris Rochester
UK Director
Chris Rochester, UK Director
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be a journalist – I think initially it was wanting to be Clark Kent (and of course Superman), but later ‘Press Gang’(a great TV show for kids – Google it)r was an influence too. I liked the idea of investigating and finding out about things and had a passion for reading and really enjoyed writing.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer in 2014 having been a primary school teacher and initially designed Primary Engineer’s Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering STEM and the Early Years Engineer Programme. As UK Director, I head up our Partnerships with funders and supporters across all Primary Engineer Programmes working with our existing stakeholders and developing new relationships with engineering industry, businesses and education partners.
Stan Cookson
Head of Operations
Stan Cookson, Head of Operations
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be so many things; either the Prime Minister to make things better for everyone, a Spaceman as I thought it would be a cool adventure or a Soldier like my father who was my absolute hero. I was born into the army and we travelled extensively. I attended more than 8 schools by the time I was 13 so it was quite difficult at times. I missed on some curriculum items but was advanced in others. It was great making so many new friends all the time. I ended up as an Engineer Officer in the Merchant Navy when I left school continuing my passion for engineering, travel and adventure.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer as the Head Of Operations where I have overall responsibility to the Directors for all company support across Marketing, Service Delivery, IT, HR, Finance and Legals. My background is developing business across all functional areas. It is a very varied role and very enjoyable at Primary Engineer knowing we are encouraging more children, and especially girls to consider engineering careers. I help formulate company strategy and then work with the teams to implement the strategy providing direction and support.
Lauren Nightingale
Head of Partnerships – Central England
Lauren Nightingale, Head of Partnerships – Central England
I never knew what I wanted to be growing up, I think it changed from week to week; from an FBI agent to professional swimmer and runner to interior designer. Because of that, it has allowed me to experiment with different career paths and interests and ultimately believe that is what has led me to where I am today!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Building and maintaining relationships with links in the engineering and education industries and organising training and celebration events up and down the country.
Donna Johnstone
Head of Partnerships - Scotland & Northern Ireland
Donna Johnstone, Head of Partnerships - Scotland & Northern Ireland
I wanted to be a forensic pathologist, due to watching the 70’s American drama Quincy M.E., he made it look like a very exciting job! When I realised the screen job and the real job weren’t quite the same I decided it wasn’t for me!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As Head of Partnerships for Scotland and Northern Ireland, my role is about developing our business, and building relationships with existing and new partners across these areas.”
Lauren Nightingale
Head of Partnerships - Central England
Lauren Nightingale, Head of Partnerships – Central England
I never knew what I wanted to be growing up, I think it changed from week to week; from an FBI agent to professional swimmer and runner to interior designer. Because of that, it has allowed me to experiment with different career paths and interests and ultimately believe that is what has led me to where I am today!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Donna Johnstone
Head of Partnerships - Scotland & Northern Ireland
Donna Johnstone, Head of Partnerships - Scotland & Northern Ireland
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As Head of Partnerships for Scotland and Northern Ireland, my role is about developing our business, and building relationships with existing and new partners across these areas.”
Jenni Sneddon
R&D Programme Manager
JENNI SNEDDON, R&D PROGRAMME MANAGER
I wanted to be a ballerina or singer! I used to put on spectacular* shows in our living room for my parents and siblings. I actually went on to study dance when I left school but decided that organising and planning were more for me. As the eldest of 3 siblings I have always been an assertive, ‘take charge’ sort of person!
*I think my mum would use the word ‘messy’ as I used to rearrange the furniture and make stage curtains out of bath towels.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I’m R&D Programme Manager for Primary Engineer, based in Edinburgh. I champion project management for Primary Engineer and oversee multiple projects relating to the development of our products and services. I plan out iterative review and improvements and generally make sure we are making our products and services the best they can be!
Graham Stow
Head of Education, Research and Qualifications
Graham Stow, Head of Education, Research and Qualifications
I always wanted to be an archaeologist. I was obsessed with dinosaurs, drawing them, buying toys, stickers and reading about them. Then as I grew up I realised it was a lot of digging and cleaning, so I quickly decided that was not for me.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As Head of Education my role is to develop the educational and skills content here at Primary Engineer. That will include working with teachers on our master’s level course, creating qualifications, developing resources, managing key projects and sharing the impact of our work more widely.
Jenni Sneddon
R&D Programme Manager
Jenni Sneddon, R&D Programme Manager
I wanted to be a ballerina or singer! I used to put on spectacular* shows in our living room for my parents and siblings. I actually went on to study dance when I left school but decided that organising and planning were more for me. As the eldest of 3 siblings I have always been an assertive, ‘take charge’ sort of person!
*I think my mum would use the word ‘messy’ as I used to rearrange the furniture and make stage curtains out of bath towels.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I’m R&D Programme Manager for Primary Engineer, based in Edinburgh. I champion project management for Primary Engineer and oversee multiple projects relating to the development of our products and services. I plan out iterative review and improvements and generally make sure we are making our products and services the best they can be!
Graham Stow
Head of Education, Research and Qualifications
Graham Stow, Head of Education, Research and Qualifications
I always wanted to be an archaeologist. I was obsessed with dinosaurs, drawing them, buying toys, stickers and reading about them. Then as I grew up I realised it was a lot of digging and cleaning, so I quickly decided that was not for me.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As Head of Education my role is to develop the educational and skills content here at Primary Engineer. That will include working with teachers on our master’s level course, creating qualifications, developing resources, managing key projects and sharing the impact of our work more widely.
Mica Aspinwall
Service Delivery Manager
Mica Aspinwall, Service Delivery Manager
I absolutely loved school and every single subject so you would have had a more difficult job asking me what I didn’t want to be when I grew up. Some highlights include a jockey, an actress, a lawyer, an astronaut, an artist and French (this was an extract from my diary. Just a French person, I think?)
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role involves managing the Service Delivery Team and coordinating all of our programmes. Liaising with our funding partners and teachers and making sure that every single child who takes part in our programmes gets the best experience possible.
Jess Parkinson
Trainer and Account Manager
Jess Parkinson, Trainer and Account Manager
Initially, I really wanted to be…wait for it…A DOLPHIN TRAINER! I then homed in on that and it became a marine biologist. I was a keen dancer and actor, I even did it professionally at primary school age. But, I just loved football too much in the end so went on to complete my degree in sport to be a PE Teacher, evidently, not happened (yet!!) As you can see from my picture, looks like I also fancied following in Papa’s footsteps of Karting at some point!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
At Primary Engineer, I have a dual-role, Trainer & Account Manager. The first part is as a Trainer, which covers the practical element of delivering the programmes to teachers, creating resources and evaluating our programmes. The other side of my role is an account manager which involves liaising with funders to organise the events, engaging schools in our programmes and promoting the STEM competitions across the UK and Jersey.
Mica Aspinwall
Service Delivery Manager
Mica Aspinwall, Service Delivery Manager
I absolutely loved school and every single subject so you would have had a more difficult job asking me what I didn’t want to be when I grew up. Some highlights include a jockey, an actress, a lawyer, an astronaut, an artist and French (this was an extract from my diary. Just a French person, I think?)
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role involves managing the Service Delivery Team and coordinating all of our programmes. Liaising with our funding partners and teachers and making sure that every single child who takes part in our programmes gets the best experience possible.
Jess Parkinson
Trainer and Account Manager
Jess Parkinson, Trainer and Account Manager
Initially, I really wanted to be…wait for it…A DOLPHIN TRAINER! I then homed in on that and it became a marine biologist. I was a keen dancer and actor, I even did it professionally at primary school age. But, I just loved football too much in the end so went on to complete my degree in sport to be a PE Teacher, evidently, not happened (yet!!) As you can see from my picture, looks like I also fancied following in Papa’s footsteps of Karting at some point!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
At Primary Engineer, I have a dual-role, Trainer & Account Manager. The first part is as a Trainer, which covers the practical element of delivering the programmes to teachers, creating resources and evaluating our programmes. The other side of my role is an account manager which involves liaising with funders to organise the events, engaging schools in our programmes and promoting the STEM competitions across the UK and Jersey.
Ben Heffernan
Operations Supervisor
Ben Heffernan, Operations Supervisor
When I was at primary school I wanted to be a policeman.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role is to improve long term company growth by effectively and efficiently managing and controlling logistics and other company operations, minimising losses, and by enhancing other departments performance through the provision and support of IT, HR, H&S, GDPR services.
Emily Fagan
Trainer
Emily Fagan, Trainer
I always wanted to be an art teacher, from a very young age. Art has always been my form of expression. As a child I rarely played out, I would rather stay in and draw constantly. I went on to become a qualified Art & design teacher in 2017.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
At Primary engineer I deliver the STEM CPD sessions, to teachers. I love that I can be arty everyday and meet new people.
Ben Heffernan
Operations Supervisor
Ben Heffernan, Operations Supervisor
When I was at primary school I wanted to be a policeman.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role is to improve long term company growth by effectively and efficiently managing and controlling logistics and other company operations, minimising losses, and by enhancing other departments performance through the provision and support of IT, HR, H&S, GDPR services.
Emily Fagan
Trainer
Emily Fagan, Trainer
I always wanted to be an art teacher, from a very young age. Art has always been my form of expression. As a child I rarely played out, I would rather stay in and draw constantly. I went on to become a qualified Art & design teacher in 2017.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
At Primary engineer I deliver the STEM CPD sessions, to teachers. I love that I can be arty everyday and meet new people.
Nick Donnelly
Trainer
Nick Donnelly, Trainer
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Rabeya Ullah
Account Manager
Rabeya Ullah, Account Manager
From what I can recall, I’ve always wanted to be a famous author of fictional books, full of hope and adventure. In my spare time at Primary School, I’d pen a sequel titled: ‘The Adventures of Samantha and Amanda’ which my teachers absolutely loved and plastered all over the school walls! Growing up watching Tracy Beaker religiously, inspired me to broaden my knowledge on the different issues that children face around the world. My love and passion for children to equally excel within the education sector, is why I work for Primary Engineer!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role as Account Manager at Primary Engineer is best described as a Contract Manager and Facilitator. It entails liaising and building relationships with funders, recruiting schools to participate in our programmes and my favourite part, which I eagerly look forward to is.. organising events
Nick Donnelly
Trainer
Nick Donnelly, Trainer
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Rabeya Ullah
Account Manager
Rabeya Ullah, Account Manager
From what I can recall, I’ve always wanted to be a famous author of fictional books, full of hope and adventure. In my spare time at Primary School, I’d pen a sequel titled: ‘The Adventures of Samantha and Amanda’ which my teachers absolutely loved and plastered all over the school walls! Growing up watching Tracy Beaker religiously, inspired me to broaden my knowledge on the different issues that children face around the world. My love and passion for children to equally excel within the education sector, is why I work for Primary Engineer!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role as Account Manager at Primary Engineer is best described as a Contract Manager and Facilitator. It entails liaising and building relationships with funders, recruiting schools to participate in our programmes and my favourite part, which I eagerly look forward to is.. organising events
Joseph Schofield
Account Manager
Joseph Schofield, Account Manager
All I wanted to be at Primary school was a footballer.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As an account manager I liaise with funders to organise the events, engaging schools in our programmes and promoting the STEM competitions across the UK and Jersey.
Laura Frankham
Account Manager
Laura Frankham, Account Manager
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Joseph Schofield
Account Manager
Joseph Schofield, Account Manager
All I wanted to be at Primary school was a footballer.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As an account manager I liaise with funders to organise the events, engaging schools in our programmes and promoting the STEM competitions across the UK and Jersey.
Laura Frankham
Account Manager
Laura Frankham, Account Manager
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Nicole Wilmott
Graduate Creative Copywriter
Nicole Wilmott, Graduate Creative Copywriter
At primary school, I wanted to be a lot of things; from a criminal investigator to a game designer. Finally, I settled on being a writer whilst I figured out what my career goals are.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
At Primary Engineer, I am the Graduate Creative Copywriter, producing press releases, social media campaigns and posts, as well as conducting interviews with Primary Engineer’s funders.
Nicole Wilmott
Account Manager
Nicole Wilmott, Graduate Creative Copywriter
At primary school, I wanted to be a lot of things; from a criminal investigator to a game designer. Finally, I settled on being a writer whilst I figured out what my career goals are.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
At Primary Engineer, I am the Graduate Creative Copywriter, producing press releases, social media campaigns and posts, as well as conducting interviews with Primary Engineer’s funders.